Arkansas’ three gas utilities are raising their rates, primarily because of an increase in the price of natural gas.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette (http://bit.ly/2evMFvz ) reports that CenterPoint Energy, Black Hills Energy and Arkansas Oklahoma-Gas told the state’s Public Service Commission on Monday that rate changes will take effect starting Tuesday and will end March 31.

The commission isn’t required to hold hearings to approve the rate changes.

CenterPoint’s rates will increase 19 percent, while Black Hills’ rates will go up 9.18 percent. Rates for Arkansas Oklahoma Gas will have a 13 percent increase.